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Kids, Pets, New Beginnings
As August arrives, we find ourselves in that familiar space: summer winding down, school routines beginning again, and our homes buzzing with a different kind of energy. This time of year always feels like a reset. It’s a season of fresh starts, new goals, and a chance to reflect on what matters most.
This issue celebrates two of the best reminders of what really counts: the kids and pets who fill our days with purpose, humor, and love. Whether it’s the joy of watching a young person discover their confidence or the quiet comfort of a dog who senses when we need a friend, these bonds shape our lives in lasting ways.
From Kaitlyn and Rowdy’s story of resilience and companionship to Diana’s work pairing horses and healing, we were inspired by the many ways animals can lift us up when we least expect it. You’ll also find articles that honor simple moments, like a therapy dog breaking through loneliness or a family pet who greets every day with curiosity and trust.
As we turn the page into a new school year, I hope this issue is a reminder to savor the small things: shared adventures, a wagging tail, the proud smile of a child learning something new. These are the moments that give our busy lives meaning.
Here’s to all the kids, pets, and families in our community and to the connections that make life brighter. Enjoy this special issue.
August 2025
PUBLISHER
Greg Gewalt | greg.gewalt@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Tricia Busalacchi | tricia.busalacchi@citylifestyle.com
STAFF WRITER
Jordan Gray | editorial@meridiancitylifestyle.com
SALES SUPPORT ASSISTANT
Maria Serondo | support@boisecitylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Russell Detablan | editorial@meridiancitylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Tammy De Weerd, Pamela Kleibrink Thompson, Renee Van Ausdle, Jana Kemp, Jordan Gray, Denise Llorente, Chelsea Chambers
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Phil White, 8th Street Studio, Tammy De Weerd, Kaitlyn O’Brien, Lance Thompson, Stan Haye, Candy Canning, Mel Strong-Duncan
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
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ROWDY CHANGED EVERYTHING
After a life-altering diagnosis, Kaitlyn finds healing, purpose, and joy through her golden retriever
Twenty-four-year-old Eagle resident Kaitlyn O’Brien’s life changed when she suffered a heart attack at age 18. She moved to Idaho to attend Boise State, driven by her dream of becoming a physician assistant. Though school and long shifts at the hospital kept her busy, Kaitlyn often came home to an empty house—and an ache for something more.
"I wanted someone to hang out with; it was my first time living alone in a house. I worked late shifts at the hospital and had nobody to come home to," O Brien said. “I had been thinking of adopting a dog and after a long night at the hospital I decided it could be the perfect time.”
During a visit home, she mentioned the idea to her dad.
"I went back home to visit family and told my dad about the idea of getting a dog,” O’Brien said. “He told me that sometimes you just got to get a little rowdy."
The name stuck—and fit. When Kaitlyn returned to Idaho on June 24, 2023, she drove to Caldwell and adopted a golden retriever and named him Rowdy.
"All my hesitancy I had before getting him immediately went away and I changed from dreading coming home to an empty house to being very excited to go home and see him."
Rowdy is certified through Canine Partners For Life as a Cardiac Alert Dog, trained to sense medical issues and respond. He attended Boise State classes alongside Kaitlyn, always ready to help when needed.
Quickly Rowdy became Kaitlyn’s travel buddy, adventure partner, and most loyal friend. Together, they’ve visited California, Washington, Oregon, Arizona, Nevada, and throughout Idaho, with Colorado and Texas on their travel list next.
"I love seeing the world through his eyes, and his endless love towards everyone. He is truly the happiest boy and gives the best hugs and cuddles. He and I have so much fun traveling together."
"Owning Rowdy has been very rewarding," O’Brien said. "I can’t imagine life without him; there is nobody I would rather eat apple slices at three in the morning with after a long shift at the hospital."
O’Brien shares that Rowdy has taught her to slow down and enjoy life’s little moments.
"He’s got me out of the house and taken me to all kinds of places—I think I know every body of water in the Treasure Valley by now. On our walks, we’ve met so many people. He just loves everyone."
From empty evenings to cross-state adventures, Kaitlyn’s life has changed in more ways than she expected. For anyone on the fence about adopting a dog, maybe take a page from her dad’s playbook: Sometimes, you just have to get a little Rowdy.
ARTICLE BY PAMELA KLEIBRINK THOMPSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LANCE THOMPSON, STAN HAYE, PROVIDED
Healing with Horses
Equine Therapy with Diana Lincoln-Haye
“I believe in living fully and enjoying what you do,” says Kimberly resident Diana Lincoln-Haye.
When treating patients, Lincoln-Haye doesn’t horse around, though she often uses horses in therapy. Lincoln-Haye MS, LPC, NCC has been around horses her entire life. She lived on a horse and cattle ranch in Kimberly, Idaho, and on a sheep ranch in Murtaugh, so it was natural that when she became a counselor she would use horses in therapy with her patients.
After learning about Equine Assisted Mental Health (EAMH) and Adventure based counseling at Prescott College,
Lincoln-Haye did an internship in equine therapy with Rand Gurley, LCSW, PsyD, in northern Idaho and started her own practice.
Two years ago, Lincoln-Haye went with her daughter, Natasha Haye, to check out a 16-year-old as a potential therapy partner. But when a 2 month colt “walked up to me and let me rub him all over, I thought ‘Dang it.’” Venture, who is half Percheron and half quarter horse, is now two years old and works with patients who help feed him. “He’s smart as a whip and fun to work with,” says Lincoln-Haye. “I think equine therapy is super powerful.”
Equine-assisted psychotherapy is used for mental and behavioral health therapy and personal development. It helps treat addiction, anxiety, ADHD, eating disorders, depression, and other mental health conditions. Equine therapy can help patients with emotional and physical challenges and help build self-awareness, confidence, and empathy.
Nurturing interactions with horses allows humans to practice social skills, problem-solving skills, and emotional regulation. Horses sense emotions and mirror them back, offering patients a way to talk about their own emotions without feeling judged.
Lincoln-Haye likes equine therapy because of “the joy that horses give people.”
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MORE THAN A PET, THEY’RE FAMILY
CELEBRATING THE UNCONDITIONAL LOVE, JOY, AND LIFELONG BONDS SHARED BETWEEN FAMILIES AND THEIR PETS—BECAUSE IN EVERY WAY THAT MATTERS, THEY’RE TRULY FAMILY
Pets aren’t just part of the household—they’re part of the rhythm of our lives. They meet us at the door, nudge us outside, curl up at our feet, and somehow know exactly when we need a laugh or a little comfort. Whether we’re single, raising a family, or sharing a home in any form, pets provide connection, routine, and presence.
Frederik, Jennie Jensen
Sanvi & Zuri, Marcia Schaumburg family
Lucy, Gene Zufelt
Finn & Daisy, Mechele Duke
Daisy, Kami Hutchison Therapy dog at Riverstone Int. School, Jordan Moffis
Greta, Ben Richard
Duke, Tara Morandi family
Moose, Kate Loftus
Morty & Tigger, Jennifer Zebio family
Bernie & bubbles, Robbie Musheno
Padron, John & Kim Archer family
Colby Elguezabal family
Marshall, Logan McDonald
Moxie, Alana Lynn family
Mabel Pines, Heather Bifulco
Rebel, Leone Rusher
Beloved Harley, Chris Nelson-Orcutt
Bailey, Adam Pitale family
Millie & Olive, Judith Balis family
Max, April Florczyk
Trapper, Brian King family
Boomer & Freya, Deirdre Andrews
This issue highlights just how seamlessly our four-legged (and sometimes feathered) friends fit into the fabric of our everyday lives. Readers submitted photos capturing everything from backyard adventures and road trips to quiet mornings at home. Meet Rebel, whose steady gaze says everything; Bones, floating in total relaxation mode; and Daisy and Finn, posing like pros. Each image tells a story—and shows how much joy pets bring to daily life.
Pets ground us. They help us slow down in a busy world, keep us active, and often serve as quiet motivators—reminding us to get outside, keep a routine, or simply show up for someone who counts on us. Their needs are simple, but their impact is lasting.
For many, pets are the first to greet us in the morning and the last to say goodnight. They don’t need big moments to make a difference—they do it in the small, consistent ways that truly matter.
This issue is for the dogs, cats, and companions who shape our days and fill our homes with comfort, joy, and plenty of personality. Thanks to our readers who shared a glimpse into the special role pets play in their world.
Copper, Sweet Pea & Brody, Wendy Albright
Bones, Melissa Heuser
Marcia Schaumburg family
Razzberry, Elizabeth Bolton (visit parkcity)
Bailey & Myla, Kathy Humphries
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CRAFT. COMFORT. CUCINA.
ENJOY MADE-FROMSCRATCH ITALIAN MEALS IN A BEAUTIFULLY REIMAGINED SPACE
ARTICLE BY JANA KEMP PHOTOGRAPHY BY PHIL WHITE, 8TH STREET STUDIO
Next to the Village Cinema and the fountain playground area, you can’t miss newly opened North Italia. The first of its kind in Idaho, North Italia’s focus on chef-prepared from-scratch foods is a delightful addition to the Treasure Valley. Lunch, brunch, and dinner menus include local beers, non-alcoholic beverages, and wine selections. Each deliciously prepared meal is a visual treat as well as a tastebud delight. The welcoming dining experience ups the customer service game for restaurants –corporate brought in dozens of trainers and
four managers to establish the culture, food, and service standards their brand is noted for around the country.
The menu offerings are grouped into sides, small plates, salads, pizza, chef’s board, strombolis, pasta, and entrees. Menu items include items like: the White Truffle Garlic Bread with house made ricotta, mozzarella, grana padano, and herbs; Wild Shrimp Scampi with blistered tomato, grana padano, garlic confit, herb butter, charred lemon, and grilled bread; and Hot Honey & Smoked Prosciutto Pizza with scamorza, speck, Calabrian honey, arugula, and pecorino toscano. Brunch menus include the decadent Strawberries & Cream French Toast as well as the Poached Eggs & Polenta. Those dining during happy hour or lunch can enjoy two variations of Garlic Knot Sliders – Sicilian Meatball and Chicken Pesto – in addition to sandwiches, salads, pizzas, and more. Entrée highlights include the house specialty Bolognese and Spicy Rigatoni Vodka pastas, as well as the Grilled Branzino, Pork Milanese, and Chicken Scarpariello, a nostalgic Italian dish made with sweet Italian sausage, piquillo pepper, fingerling potato, and chicken jus. And, leave room for dessert. North Italia offers eight scrumptious dessert options. If you can’t finish a course, a branded to-go container and carry-bag are easily available for taking food home to savor again.
The transformed 8,000 square foot interior space, new front entrance, and a wrap-around patio with home-like seating makes North Italia a place for inviting lunches or brunches, family dinners, and nice nights out. The full bar is comfortable but doesn’t take over the rest of the booth, table, and 1,400 square foot patio dining areas. The variety of seating options
Go for the food, stay for the experience!
gives the restaurant an intimate feel, table-by-table. The remodeled space includes views into the kitchen. The men’s, women’s, and family restrooms are bright and found at the back of the main dining room.
North Italia’s Italian heritage is portrayed with locally commissioned pieces by Boise art collective Sector Seventeen, including a mural showcasing a woman riding on a vespa along the iconic Boise Red Bridge, a part of the Greenbelt trail system.
North Italia at The Village opened May 28th for lunch and dinner seven days a week. Brunches are served Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where Dogs Do the Healing
Therapy dogs make meaningful visits to schools, veterans, and seniors across the Treasure Valley
Some of Idaho’s best therapists come with a listening ear, a gentle smile, and a wet nose.
GO TEAM Therapy, Crisis, and Airport Dogs is a national volunteer organization, pairing therapy dogs and their handlers with people who could use some slobbery smooches.
Nancy Trepagnier founded GO TEAM Therapy Dogs in 2012 after seeing the impact therapy dogs had on the residents of Colorado Springs, Colorado after the devastating Waldo Canyon fire. Now, more than 4,000 teams have gone through the organization’s training program.
In Idaho, Cheryl Minto serves as one of three GO TEAM coordinators. Together with her dog Winston, they’ve made nearly 800 visits to schools, military bases, and other events with other GO TEAM pairs.
“We go anywhere somebody has asked us to come and bring some fluffy joy to their lives,” she said.
Winston’s status as a rough collie makes him a particular favorite at senior centers.
“A lot of those people grew up with collies because they were more popular when ‘Lassie’ was on TV,” Minto said. “He gets a
lot of ‘Hey, Lassie! Where’s Timmy?’ and they light up and everybody's got their story about the collie that raised them as a child.”
Volunteers range from 10 years old to well into their 90s, and a wide variety of canines serve as therapy dogs.
“Purebreds, mixed breeds, rescues, and all different kinds,” Minto said. “And every one of them, there's a person that had a dog just like that. The connections that they make, it's amazing to see people's faces light up.”
Minto has seen the monumental impact Winston and the other dogs have on the community. One example, from the Boise Veterans Medical Center hospice wing, is her favorite.
“This gentleman started petting the dogs, he was talking to the dog, and it was just a nice visit," Minto said. “And before we left the floor, the nurses came over and said, ‘Hey, we just want you to know that when you went into that room, that gentleman had not been talking.’ They could tell something was wrong with him, but he wouldn't talk to the nurses. But after
Pickett
Opie
Macho
Denali
Balin
Billie
petting the dogs and talking to the dogs, he let them know what was bothering him. They were able to get him some assistance that he needed and made a huge impact in his life. They just felt so grateful that we were able to help make that breakthrough because they'd been trying a whole lot of different things. But the dogs were the magic link to getting him to open up.”
Think your pup could make it as a therapy dog? Dogs must be at least one year old, have strong obedience skills, a good temperament, be an AKC Canine Good Citizen, and be good with both people and other dogs. There’s also a two-day GO TEAMS training, held in April and September for the Idaho teams.
“We're going to help you as much as we can to be successful because there's a lot of need for therapy dogs throughout the Treasure Valley,” Minto said. “And the bigger our team gets, the more people we can help.”
To request teams visit your organization, or to find out more about joining, visit goteamdogs.org
Cheryl Minto and Winston
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Top: Jocelyn, Bijou, Hadley Robertson of Zhoo Zhoo Wines
Middle: Hells Canyon Winery (first generation, celebrating 43 years) & Zhoo Zhoo Wines (second generation).
Bottom: Huston Vineyards' Alger family, Josh, Gregg, Mary, Jacob
FROM Harvest to Heritage: IDAHO’S WINE Evolution
In the rolling hills of Idaho’s Treasure Valley, the next chapter of the state’s wine story is being written—not by newcomers, but by the children of those who helped pioneer Idaho’s modern wine industry.
As Idaho’s wine community comes of age, a new wave of second-generation leaders is taking root. They’re stepping into cellars, vineyards, and family businesses—sometimes alongside their parents, others forging their own paths.
At Williamson Orchards & Vineyards in Caldwell, cousins Beverly, Mike, and Patrick Williamson represent the fourth generation of their family to farm this land. What began over a century ago as a fruit and dairy farm, has become one of Idaho’s most respected vineyard operations. Today, the trio manages the business, the vines, and the brand with an eye toward both innovation and sustainability. Their Albariño and Syrah are now among the state’s most awarded wines.
“I love what I do, but I also take my role very seriously,” says Beverly Williamson. “We measure our decisions against the ruler of sustainability—for the land and for future generations. Like the grapevine, we try to honor strong roots while staying flexible, experimenting with new varietals and techniques as the world around us changes.”
CONTINUED >
Family-run vineyards are now led by the next generation blending old roots with new ideas
ARTICLE BY TAMMY DE WEERD, SPOKEN WINES PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Hadley and Jocelyn Robertson
Williamson Orchards and Vineyards is operated by the 4th generation Beverly, Michael and Patrick Williamson. Originally 80 acres and is 200 acres today.
Nearby, Huston Vineyards has undergone its own quiet evolution. Jacob and Joshua Alger—sons of founders Gregg and Mary—now lead winemaking and vineyard operations. Their teamwork has expanded Huston’s estate program and grown the reach of its popular Chicken Dinner series.
“Stepping into my role as winemaker has been both empowering and deeply meaningful,” says Jacob Alger. “This is a true family business—every day, I get to collaborate with my parents and brother on something we’re all passionate about. “I’ve brought my own style to the cellar while staying true to our mission of crafting world-class wines.”
In Kuna, Indian Creek Winery thrives under the leadership of Tammy Stowe McClure, daughter of founders Bill and Mui Stowe. She now runs the business with her husband, winemaker Mike McClure, continuing a family legacy that helped shape Idaho wine from the very beginning.
And then there’s the spirited Robertson sisters of Hells Canyon Winery. They now lead the family’s dual labels: Hells Canyon, alongside their dad, and the playful Zhoo Zhoo Wines, their own label.
“Bijou, Jocelyn, and I created Zhoo Zhoo Wines as a fresh, modern extension of Hells Canyon," says Hadley Robertson. “It was a way to diversify the brand while staying rooted in our family’s legacy. I lead operations with a focus on creativity—using social media, hosting events, and building experiences around the vineyard and winery that go beyond wine itself.”
This new generation isn’t just preserving family legacies—they’re shaping the future of Idaho wine with vision, creativity, and a deep connection to the land.
“We
measure our decisions against the ruler of sustainability—for the land and for future generations. Like the grapevine, we try to honor strong roots while staying flexible, experimenting with new varietals and techniques as the world around us changes.”
Hadley Robertson of Hells Canyon and Zhoo Zhoo wines is evaluating wine with Jan de Weerd of Spoken Wines, Wine Storytellers.
Learning Happening Everywhere, Every Day
UI Extension 4-H, Ada
| PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS HELP KIDS THRIVE BY DEVELOPING INTERESTS, BUILDING CONFIDENCE, AND ENCOURAGING DEEPER LEARNING
ARTICLE BY JANA
KEMP
Boys & Girls Clubs of Ada County
Idaho Shakespeare’s School of Theater
County
Just because school is starting, it doesn’t mean your kids’ needs are getting met. Some kids thrive in classroom environments. Others don’t. Some kids love group sports. Others don’t. All kids benefit from trusted, organized, adult-led activities that provide opportunities to explore their interests, skills, and friendship building opportunities.
Explore how your child learns best. Discover what activities interest them the most, bring them the most joy. School days are necessary – whether they are home school, private school, charter school, or public school. As parents, supporting school days with extra-curricular activities can bring more meaning and success to the school day itself. Children learn in many ways: hands-on, listening, exploring – trial and error learning, following directions, academic, athletic, creative, performing, and more.
This school year, consider what extra-curricular activities will support your children’s developmental needs. Team projects such as Lego competitions support character building, time management, and project management. Individual endeavors encourage exploration of interests. School sports and club sports provide physical, mental, direction-following, and interaction
opportunities that prepare youth for adult life and work settings.
Youth programs are abundant in the Treasure Valley and at varying cost levels. At the Ada County extension office, sign up for 4-H – the family-oriented club system for learning, budgeting, and producing products for the annual August fair. The Boys & Girls Clubs in Garden City and Meridian offer year-round programs for academic and sports-oriented activities. The Y programs in downtown Boise, West Boise, and South Meridian at The Hill provide daily access to physical activities along with class offerings.
Music via band, orchestra, symphony, choir, and individual lessons creates soulful creative outlets. School programs and community choir, symphony, or philharmonic programs refine talent while enhancing all levels of musical skills and accomplishments.
Performing arts skill development can be found at Ballet Idaho and at the Idaho Shakespeare Festival. Visual arts classes are offered at school and in community settings by artists and art teachers who provide structured art project experiences – ask your school or search online for “Idaho art classes”.
The Boise School District offers ongoing learning opportunities through their catalogs of Community Education offerings
Happy kids are engaged in life!
which are grouped by ages and themes. After school learning opportunities also include the Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts – club oriented, badge-earning skill-building opportunities.
Support your child’s development during the school year with out-of-school experiences.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES:
4-H — uidaho.edu/extension/county/ada/4-h
BOYS AND GIRLS CLUBS — adaclubs.org
MERIDIAN SYMPHONY — meridiansymphony.org
BOISE PHIL — boisephil.org
Y PROGRAMS — ymcatvidaho.org
SCOUTING – BOYS AND GIRLS — mtwestbsa.org
GIRL SCOUTS OF SILVER SAGE — girlscouts-ssc.org
COMMUNITY EDUCATION — boiselearns.org
BALLET IDAHO — balletidaho.org/community
IDAHO SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL — idahoshakespeare.org/education
Support your child’s development during the school year with out-ofschool experiences.
Eagle Parks & Recreation
Treasure Valley Family YMCA
where creativity finds its voice
Empowering artists of all ages, Catalyst is redefining community through inclusive, transformative art education
At the heart of Boise’s growing arts community is Catalyst Arts Collaborative, a vibrant space where creativity thrives and imaginations flourish. Founded by artist and educator Candy Canning, Catalyst is more than just an art studio, it’s a nurturing environment where people of all backgrounds can explore, create, and discover their potential through the power of art.
Candy’s journey to Catalyst began with her own story: a highly creative child in San Antonio, Texas, without access to art classes or extracurricular opportunities. It wasn’t until she was 20 that she took her first art class. That transformative experience, combined with her years as a public school teacher and university instructor, shaped her mission: to create the kind of space she had needed as a child. In 2021, that mission came to life as Catalyst Arts Collaborative—a community hub offering inclusive, high-quality art education for all ages.
“The concept of Catalyst began about 27 years ago,” Candy explained. “I had just started college and was taking my very first art class, as well as a public speaking class. Our project in public speaking was to create a business proposal. My initial idea was a simple
ARTICLE BY CHELSEA CHAMBERS PHOTOGRAPHY BY CATALYST ARTS COLLABORATIVE, CANDY CANNING, MEL STRONG-DUNCAN
building that could be transformed into a large space or multiple spaces, where people of all ages and abilities could come together to create and support each other. Over the years, this concept has stayed with me, a dream that has never left.”
At Catalyst, youth programs are the beating heart of the organization. With after-school classes, mentorships, and seasonal camps, Catalyst ensures that young artists are never short of opportunities. Throughout the summer, week-long camps immerse children and teens in diverse art forms—from hand built ceramics and wheel throwing to watercolor, collage, and fiber arts. Kids spend hours in the ceramic studio and engage with guest artists who introduce new mediums and techniques, ensuring that each camp is a one-ofa-kind experience.
Some of the most beloved programs include Kids’ Clay Play, Animal Masks, and Raptor Nights, where children sketch live falcons and owls while learning from the Idaho Raptor Institute.
These experiences go beyond technical skills—they help build confidence, curiosity, and a deeper connection to the world.
For Candy, supporting youth goes far beyond scheduled classes. The Art Start Fund, Catalyst’s scholarship program, was created to ensure that no child is turned away due to cost. The program has already helped countless kids access art education that may have otherwise been out of reach.
Catalyst also invests in teens and emerging artists through a mentorship program that pairs them with professionals to develop skills and confidence in their work. Students learn not only how to create art, but also how to present and sell it, building real-world experience in a supportive environment.
Looking ahead, Candy hopes to expand Catalyst’s impact even further. With plans to apply for nonprofit status and someday purchase a permanent building,
“Art is about taking risks and trying something new, problem solving and critical thinking, plus reflection and perseverance.”
she dreams of reaching more students, schools, and educators. Through programs like professional development workshops and classroom integration support, Catalyst is helping weave art back into the educational fabric of the Treasure Valley.
Ultimately, Catalyst Arts Collaborative is more than a studio. It’s a safe space where children and adults alike are encouraged to take risks, express themselves, and grow, not just as artists, but as individuals. As Candy says, “Art is about taking risks and trying something new, problem solving and critical thinking, plus reflection and perseverance...all crucial to building a strong character.”
Meridian + Valley Events
AUGUST
2025
1 — TEEN POOL PARTY
Borah Pool, 8:30 PM: Fun night of food, prizes, and good vibes! cityofboise.org
1-2 — BOISE FRONT TRAIL FESTIVAL
Bogus Basin: All proceeds support Ridge to Rivers. bogusbasin.org
1-2 — KUNA DAYS
Bernard Fisher Park: Enjoy a fun-filled day with shopping, food, and activities for all ages! business.kunachamber.org
1-3 — JAIALDI
Basque Block: A week of vibrant Basque traditions, flavors, and performances! jaialdi.com
1-3 — 2025 SUMMER BAM JAM
Indian Creek Plaza: Two days of streetball, dunks, and 3-point thrills! indiancreekplaza.com
2 — CALDWELL LATINO NIGHT MARKET
Indian Creek Plaza, 7 PM: Authentic flavors, local goods, and cultural pride! indiancreekplaza.com
5 — MYTHS AND MORALS
Initial Point Gallery: Connect with creativity each month! meridiancity.org
5 — NATIONAL NIGHT OUT
Boise City Hall West, 5 PM: A lively evening right on your block! cityofboise.org
6 — NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERT SERIES
Shoshone Park, 5 PM: Live music and local fun in your neighborhood park! cityofboise.org
7 — SUPER SOAKER SHOWDOWN
Indian Creek Plaza, 11 AM: Splash battle of the summer against the firefighters!indiancreekplaza.com
7 — FIELD TO FORK SANDPOINT: TRADESHOW
Sandpoint Organic Agriculture Center, 10 AM: Idaho’s local food scene all in one place. business.fareidaho.org
7 — COMMUNITY MEALS
Peaceful Belly Farm, 6 PM: Pick, cook, and enjoy a farm-fresh meal with the whole family! peacefulbelly.com
9 — BOISE SOUL FOOD FESTIVAL 2025
Julia Davis Park: A day of culture, flavor, and community celebration! boisesoulfood.org
9 — BOOTS, BUCKLES & BREWS
Indian Creek Plaza, 6 PM: Kick off rodeo week with cold beer, country tunes, and boot-stompin’ fun! indiancreekplaza.com
9 — CONCERTS ON BROADWAY
Meridian City Hall, 7 PM: Free Saturday night concerts! meridiancity.org
9-10 — 38TH ANNUAL NAMPA FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS
Lakeview Park: Art, music, food, and fun for all ages in the heart of the park! nampaparksandrecreation.org
9-31 — BOISE BAROQUE SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL
First Presbyterian Church: Unwind with stunning music and magical summer performances! boisebaroque.org
10 — “YOU’RE BERRY SWEET” CRAFT MARKET
Kleiner Park: Shop, snack, and support rescue pets at a berry sweet market full of local fun! fb.com
11 — DT PLAYS
Oppenheimer Green Space, 10 AM: Free yard games pop up downtown for all ages! downtownboise.org
15-24 — WESTERN IDAHO FAIR
Expo Idaho: All the summer fair vibes you love! idahofair.com
16 — WATER JAMBOREE
Ann Morrison Park, 11 AM: Celebrate 75 years of the Boise River. cityofboise.org
17 — “SUN-KISSED & HANDMADE” CRAFT MARKET
Kleiner Park: Shop local, soak up the sun, and strike a pose with your pup—all for a great cause! fb.com
23 — FIVE FOR FIGHTING & VERTICAL HORIZON
Knitting Factory Boise: A throwback night of powerful vocals and early 2000s alternative rock. knittingfactory.com
23 — 17TH ANNUAL POOCH PARTY
Lakeview Waterpark, 8:30 AM: Walk, swim, play, and support Nampa’s dog parks! nampaparksandrecreation.org
29-31 — EASTERN IDAHO STATE FAIR
Eastern Idaho State Fairgrounds, 8 AM: Where unforgettable memories are made! funatthefair.com
31 — ANNUAL SUNNYSLOPE WINE FESTIVAL
Ste. Chapelle Winery 12 NN: Indulge in wine, music, food, and local finds. sunnyslopewinetrail.com
Photo: Sunnyslope Wine region
